US Navy’s plan to replace fleet of MH60s moves forward
FVL-MS will be developed to perform missions and operate primarily from larger surface combatants such as frigates, destroyers and littoral combat ships, and will replace MH-60 variants. (Photo: US Navy)
The US Navy’s Future Vertical Lift (Maritime Strike) has been an effort to recapitalise Sikorsky MH-60R/S naval helicopters which have an out-of-service date in the late-2030s.
The US Navy’s FVL-MS programme, an effort to replace ageing Seahawk MH-60 helicopters, has been given the go-ahead to proceed with the development of a Capabilities Development Document (CDD) and a Concept of Operations (CONOPs), a step towards producing a requirement.
The programme recently completed its Analysis of Alternatives, culminating in a Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (DCNO) for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities (N9) Gate 2 Resources and Requirements Review Board (R3B) presentation which led to CCD and CONOPs.
The US Navy’s legacy fleet of MH-60R and MH-60S Seahawk helicopters will begin to reach the end of their service lives in the late 2030s following Service Life Extensions for both aircraft.
Related Articles
Manufacturers deliberate FVL Maritime Strike options
Bell offers Vigilant tiltrotor UAV for FVL maritime strike requirement
US Navy receives over 40 industry responses to FVL Maritime Strike RFI
FVL-MS has provided the US Navy with the opportunity to transition the existing legacy fleet to a more capable platform required to operate in a Distributed Maritime Operations concept.
It will be a family of systems, incorporating crewed and uncrewed platforms to perform the missions that legacy helicopters perform today but with greater ranges, endurance and modularity to capitalise on emerging technologies.
FVL-MS will leverage similar US Army and US Marine Corps vertical take-off and landing efforts, and be informed by these services’ advances in improved engine design, digital backbone, Modular Open Systems Architecture, advanced rotor blades, materials and launched effects.
The US Navy plans to work towards a materiel solution and an initial operational capability in the early 2040s. OPNAV N98 and Naval Air Systems Command will hold an Industry Day in 2024 to relay requirements for FVL-MS capabilities.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![UK, Japan and Italy discuss potential to bring other countries into GCAP programme]()
UK, Japan and Italy discuss potential to bring other countries into GCAP programme
At the G20 summit in Brazil, the three countries reaffirmed their commitment to the trilateral Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), with a nod given to potentially widening the participation out to other countries.
-
![US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets]()
US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets
The US Air Force will transition away from its ageing A-10 aircraft in 2025, in favour of updating and enhancing its F-16, and introducing F-15EX and F-35 Lightning II jets in the region.
-
![Typhoon remains “at heart of UK defence” despite claims production has stopped]()
Typhoon remains “at heart of UK defence” despite claims production has stopped
BAE Systems Air business has reaffirmed its commitment to the Typhoon programme as union representatives from the company urge the UK government to order 24 Typhoon jets.
